"don’t quite belong" was later confirmed to being included in the deluxe edition of "Build a Problem", alongside other songs included in ALOSIA.
Although dodie’s description of the song states:
“wrote this about waking up in the wrong dimension/version of ur universe and struggling to socialise lol”
The song is commonly thought to be about anxiety and derealisation/depersonalisation.
Don't Quite Belong
dodie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't assume I'm as cold as I seem
Widen the eyes, show the teeth, Holding hands
like it's planned, how do they know what they mean
I go up to a friend grab his arm what's the code
I should know? do you struggle like me
He says finish your drink, then we'll bounce, get it down
Am I
Missing something vital here?
Cause I
Woke up feeling kind of weird
Guess I'll just pretend - play along
Till they figure it out - I don't quite belong
oooh, oooh
Fake it till you make it but I'm getting it wrong
think I've figured it out I don't quite belong
Mmmm, mmm
Suddenly face to a face, man to man
understand? I say yes but I don't
It's working a charm, here take this, you'll be wired
But I'm tired, I'd rather smoke it alone
In goes the drink and the fire and out
Comes the doubt and the stutter and shame
I chew over a word, but it's wrong, No I'm fine,
What's the time, I think I'm done with this game
Am I
Missing something vital here?
Cause I
Woke up feeling kind of weird
Guess I'll just pretend - play along
Till they figure it out - I don't quite belong
oooh, oooh
Fake it till you make it but I'm getting it wrong
think I've figured it out I don't quite belong
oooh, oooh
ooooo
Am I
Missing something vital here?
Cause I
Woke up feeling kind of weird
Guess I'll just pretend - play along
Till they figure it out - I don't quite belong
oooh, oooh
Oh, fake it till you make it but I'm getting it wrong
think I've figured it out I don't quite belong
In "Don't Quite Belong" by dodie, the lyrics explore the struggle of feeling like an outsider, of not quite fitting in and understanding social cues. The singer describes being in the back of the room, seemingly cold and distant, but in reality, they are just trying to figure out how to navigate social interactions. They observe others and try to mimic their behavior, but continually feel like they are missing something important. This feeling of not belonging is evident as the singer questions if they are missing something vital and wakes up feeling weird.
Throughout the song, there are references to alcohol and drugs, symbolizing the singer's attempt to fit in and escape their discomfort. They engage in activities such as drinking and smoking, hoping it will help them feel more connected, but ultimately, it only exacerbates their doubts and insecurities.
The repetition of the phrase "I don't quite belong" reinforces the theme of feeling out of place and not fully understanding how to navigate social expectations. The singer is aware that they are faking it and trying their best to fit in, but deep down, they know they are not quite getting it right.
This song resonates with anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong or struggle with social interactions. It captures the anxiety and self-doubt that can arise when trying to fit into a social group. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for acceptance and understanding, but also a realization that being true to oneself is more important than conforming to societal expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm taking my time in the back of a room
I'm choosing to be alone and observe from a distance
Don't assume I'm as cold as I seem
Don't mistake my quiet demeanor for indifference
Widen the eyes, show the teeth, Holding hands
Putting on a facade of excitement and affection
like it's planned, how do they know what they mean
Pretending to understand the intentions and meanings behind their actions
I go up to a friend grab his arm what's the code
Approaching a friend and asking for guidance or understanding
I should know? do you struggle like me
Am I the only one who feels out of place and confused?
He says finish your drink, then we'll bounce, get it down
He suggests drinking up and then leaving the situation
Hit the town I still don't know what he means
Even after his explanation, I'm still unsure of his true intentions
Am I
Missing something vital here?
Am I overlooking a crucial piece of the puzzle?
Cause I
Woke up feeling kind of weird
Because I woke up today with a sense of unease
Guess I'll just pretend - play along
I'll continue to act as if I belong and understand
Till they figure it out - I don't quite belong
Until others realize that I don't truly fit in
Fake it till you make it but I'm getting it wrong
I'm trying to blend in, but I'm not succeeding
think I've figured it out I don't quite belong
Maybe I've finally understood that I don't truly belong here
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Dorothy Miranda Clark
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
doddleoddle
Ur all so immediately nice thank u 🖤✨ :”)
randomperson
I cant find the stupid heart emoji so <3 ly
DJ Rinard
❤❤
lizzieowizzie
yes we love you, also the lighter color looks lovely
jonny Payne
@randomperson
found it! ----> 💜
Levi The Kid
You are so amazing
joh
This song hits harder when you're sitting off to the side of the Christmas party, it having been made very clear you're an outsider in your own family.
Maya Hand
Aww. Dude
Juan Aguillon
Seeing this a year later and being home alone. Not invited to my grandmother's house every year. It's Christmas I'm home alone. Single father and my daughter is at her grandparents house.
Branna Sundy
I hope you have or find people who love you, even if they're not your biological family. ❤️